Roc du Maroc

Spectacular desert race

How big the cultural distances within Europe can be and how little we know about each other is shown by this spectacular mountain bike endurance race in Morocco, which is largely unknown within German-speaking Europe. It’s about time that we change that and present this great event.

by Rolf Fleckenstein

If you think of a multiday Mountainbike stage race, the first thing that comes to your mind is the Absa Cape Epic in South Africa, which is very well known within German-speaking Europe and is completed by top international riders. You can also find organized stage races in your own country and in Germanspeaking Europe, but surely only a few have heard of the adventure "Roc du Maroc". That was also the case for me. But the more fascinating is this unique challenge, which is carried out within hot Morocco.

The people behind

Responsable for this event are Gert Duson and Elisabeth Haldermans, who have been organizing

events in Africa for over 10 years, including the "Morocco Desert Challenge", in which trucks, motorcycles, quads, etc. compete in a battle against the desert similar to the Dakar Rally. Elisabeth, who is a passionate biker, had the idea 7 years ago while exploring the Touareg Trail to do something with mountainbikes in Africa. In 2017 they started this event and managed to get 180 participants for it, in 2021 there are now 300.

6 stages in October 2021

The race takes place in October and runs over 6 stages. The exciting thing about the route is the inclusion of the mountains. The participants don't just drag their bikes through the hot desert for 6 days, but climb quite a bit of altitude on the way through the Atlas Mountains, which have peaks that are over 4’000 meters high, and thus get to see and enjoy the greatest views of Morocco, because Morocco has much more to offer than just desert. How much enjoyment and how much ambition there is in the race, certainly also depends on which of the six categories you start as a driver or rider. Since 2019, a race category has also been introduced, which is why there are more and more Cape Epic participants to join this race.

A total of six stages with distances between 65-151 km and 326-2350 Hm wait for the bikers. The night is spent in the biwak with toilets, showers and good food and in the evening all sit together around the campfire and talk about the stage or listen to the music. At the beginning and at the end of the 9-day stay you spend the night in the hotel. The whole event including flight and bike transport is well planned and costs each participant between

€ 2'050-2'650 depending on the offer and booking period.

All in all, the Roc du Maroc seems to be a great challenge that can easily compete with the Absa Cape Epic. In 9 days and over 6 stages you will experience an adventurous mountain bike stage race in a fascinating country with a touch of romance and community feeling in the camp and the magic of Morocco.

www.rocdumaroc.com

Roc du Maroc

Day 1: Saturday 9.10.21

Departure from Zaventem airport to Ouarzazate Stay & meal at the hotel

Day 2: Sunday, 10.10.21

Administrative, test ride of +/- 35 km, load GPS track, mount bikes, dinner at hotel

Day 3: Monday 11.10.21

Stage 1: Ouarzazate - Ghasset 115 km, 1700 Hm

Day 4: Tuesday, 12.10./21

Stage 2: Ghasset - Ait Toumert 103 km, 2350 Hm

Day 5: Wednesday, 13.10.21

Stage 3: Ait Toumert – El Kelaa M’Gouna, 77 km, 1200 Hm

Day 6: Thursday 14.10.21

Stage 4: El Kelaa M’Gouna – Alnif, 124 km, 1700 Hm

Day 7: Friday, 15.10.21

Stage 5: Alnif – The Mummy 151 km, 900 Hm

Day 8: Saturday, 16.10.21

Stage 6: The Mummy – Merzouga, 65 km, 326 Hm

Day 9: Sunday, 17.10.21

Journey home from Errachidia to Zaventem (departure at 12:30 local time).